Thousands of households across the UK are set to receive a vital one-off payment to help with winter energy costs. Utilita Energy has announced crucial details regarding the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Warm Home Discount scheme for the 2025/26 period.
Who Qualifies for the £150 Payment?
To be eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount under Core Group 2, you must be receiving one of six specific benefits on the qualifying date. The full list of qualifying DWP benefits is:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment & Support Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit Savings Credit (PCSC)
It is essential to note that any changes to your benefit status could affect your eligibility for this support. You can check your current benefit entitlements by signing into your account on the official Government website.
Payment Schedule and Important Deadlines
Utilita has confirmed that it will begin making the full £150 payments from 7 January 2026, with payments continuing to be issued in batches throughout the month. This means not all eligible customers will receive their payment on the same day.
The energy supplier has advised customers that if they have not received any communication by 28 January 2026, they should make contact. Customers can call the dedicated helpline on 0800 030 9322, which opened from 27 October 2025.
Why the Payment Timing Has Changed
In a significant update, Utilita explained the reason behind this year's altered payment schedule. The company stated that, unlike previous years where an initial instalment could be made in December, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has set the funding release date for January 2026.
"Because more of our customers qualify for the Warm Home Discount compared to many other suppliers, we need to pay out a higher amount upfront," a Utilita spokesperson said. "This year we’re paying a lot more customers, so we need to receive funding to be able to make payments. That timing determines when we’re able to make payments to you."
The supplier emphasised it has been working closely with the Government and regulator Ofgem to minimise delays and ensure customers receive the full £150 support as swiftly as possible during the critical winter months.
This financial support is a key measure for vulnerable households facing high energy bills. Residents are urged to verify their eligibility and ensure their benefit information is up to date to avoid missing out on this crucial assistance.
